Teens burn tons of energy and need to eat regularly to stay healthy and strong. However, they may choose to avoid making a healthy meal. This is where meal planning comes in! Planning meals can help your teen’s diet by keeping them full and feeling fantastic physically and mentally all day.
Healthy meals reduce obesity and heart disease risk later in life. Not only does obesity increase the risk of major medical problems, but it also increases the risk of emotional health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Teenagers are constantly on the go leaving them with limited time to eat healthy meals. This can lead to a lack of balanced nutritional intake, increasing the risk of mental health issues. Healthful eating increases the vitamins and minerals a teen needs for a productive day.
Eating healthy meals should meet the calories of teens to maintain their weight. Not eating well can lead to a lack of calories, increasing the risk of eating disorders. Teenagers who eat too much or too little are at risk for eating disorders or bad habits later in life.
How parents can help their children with healthy food
Parents can help their children learn about good health by getting them involved in planning and preparing family meals. Children will be more likely to eat healthy foods if they know what nutritious foods look and taste like. Parents should try to get their children involved in cooking to understand the ingredients and how they work together.What are some ways you can do this?
Creating fun recipes
Parents can help their children with healthy food by creating fun recipes that the entire family can enjoy. Together, they can make healthy, fun meals they and the whole family will love!Teaching cooking skills
Teaching children how to cook healthy meals will benefit their overall health. Cooking skills help kids learn about portion control, essential prepping techniques, and how to work with different flavors. Plus, it gives them an appreciation for food and the time and effort it takes to prepare a meal from scratch.Take cooking classes together
Parents can help their children eat healthier by enrolling in cooking classes with them. Cooking classes teach teens about the nutritional value of food, proper portion sizes, and how to prepare simple meals from scratch.Courses also provide an opportunity to bond with your teen and to socialize with others. Parents can find cooking classes just about anywhere, including community colleges, adult learning centers, restaurants, and vocational schools.
Plan ahead
Parents can help their children with healthy eating by planning ahead. A little planning will ensure your child gets the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Encourage your child to make their own eating plans. This will go a long way for them to take ownership of their diet and other aspects of their life.Teens should eat a fair amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Encourage your children to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Planning meals: What should you include in your meal plan?
Ensure you include plenty of healthy foods in your teen’s diet to help keep your mind and body healthy. Here are things you can do to make sure you're getting the right amount of nutrients and vitamins in your meals:- Create a grocery list abundant in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. This will give you plenty of options for meals that are low-calorie and nutritious.
- Ensure a plentiful protein and fiber-filled breakfast and lunch. Both are important for mental health and may help you lose weight and focus later in the day.
- Eat dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime, so you have time to digest and de-stress before sleep.
- Listen to your body’s thirst and hunger cues. This will help you avoid bingeing on unhealthy foods.
- Eat a diet low in highly processed foods. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store.
Tips for Better Mental and Physical Health for You and Your Teen
If your teen is troubled and struggling with physical or mental health issues, here are some ways to help his–and your– health improve:1. Control calories by limiting the amount of sugar, salt, and fat. Sugar and fat are common in foods, so choosing healthier options is essential. For example, a high-quality protein source may be more beneficial than a piece of cake.
2. Choose foods with a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins. For example, eating an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables supports energy levels.
3. Avoid foods that contain caffeine. Caffeine can increase your risk of developing depression and may negatively affect your mood, not to mention keeping you up at night. Boys with ADHD must be cautious with highly caffeinated beverages like energy drinks.
4. Replace sugary treats with healthy alternatives. For example, try a healthy fruit smoothie instead of ice cream.
5. Exercise regularly. Exercise can help relieve stress and improve your mood and self-esteem. Ask your teen to join you.
6. Be a role model and avoid smoking. Smoking is linked to many physical and mental health issues, including depression.
7. Encourage your teen to start a journal. Keeping a journal can help him recognize and cope with stressful events and improve his mood.
8. Know when to bring in a professional. If he is experiencing depression, discussing symptoms with a doctor can be helpful.
Liahona Academy Believes in Good Mental and Physical Health
Liahona Academy is expecting your call if you’re looking for a place where your troubled teen will be supported as he gets the treatment he needs. We believe in supporting your son’s physical and mental health.The sooner your teen gets into the school that meets his needs, the sooner he’ll be on the path to healing and recovery.
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